TYM 494 or Branson 4820

[ptsg]

After looking at both the 20 series and the 494… I prefer the rear axles and housing on the 4820. It is heavier built. I prefer the 4-range hydro, to the 3- range on the 494. The 20 series has 8 bolt hubs, not 6. Overall, it just seems like it has a more robust build than the 494 does.
Im sure I’d be happy with either, but side by side, for the same cost, the 20 series offers more IMHO

It's quite a difference, isn't it? Specially looking at those models side by side.

The axle housings on the Branson support the axle all the way to the wheel. The overall construction is just like the big beefy tractors back in the day. Even the front final drives seem bigger than anyone else.

That's what I admire a lot on Branson tractors, the overall heavier duty construction that many people on the forum don't believe when we Branson owners tell them about it.

Hopefully TYM will retain this heavy duty construction philosophy in the future.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

It's quite a difference, isn't it? Specially looking at those models side by side.

The axle housings on the Branson support the axle all the way to the wheel. The overall construction is just like the big beefy tractors back in the day. Even the front final drives seem bigger than anyone else.

That's what I admire a lot on Branson tractors, the overall heavier duty construction that many people on the forum don't believe when we Branson owners tell them about it.

Hopefully TYM will retain this heavy duty construction philosophy in the future.

Even the dealer, previously only a TYM dealer… asked me why I’d want it over the 494. I think TYM is going to see this play out in sales when they have them both on the lot. One is plastic, and has lighter castings… and for the same cost? The 20 series suffered from lack of dealers… we now have twice as many dealers. The Kukje tractor is not going to help sell the 494

 

[Fixastuff]

Have you driven/tested either one yet? You can only tell so much by looking at a tractor.

 

[Torvy]

I was getting different pricing on them. The Branson was a little more expensive...maybe 2-3k.

Best deal I was quoted was T494H rops $30,300 delivered with the 3rd function installed.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Have you driven/tested either one yet? You can only tell so much by looking at a tractor.

Yes I have.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I was getting different pricing on them. The Branson was a little more expensive...maybe 2-3k.

Best deal I was quoted was T494H rops $30,300 delivered with the 3rd function installed.

$2-$3k to me, is really a rounding error. I’d consider that equivalent

 

[Torvy]

$2-$3k to me, is really a rounding error. I’d consider that equivalent

I agree. That is within the margin of error on my budget. In my case, I just preferred the 494 amenities. They are relatively minor, like the rear 3pt adjust lever and arm rests.

You should be happy. I would be fine with either. The consolidation of the brands just made my decision harder in terms of dealer, but gave me more confidence that they would be around for the long haul.

Did you notice they re-branded the engines as TYM too? Not sure I would have done that, but I get why. It is easier to explain that more of the tractor is built in-house. I wonder if they will eventually transition all of their engines to in-house.

My guess will be that they retire the Yanmar-equipped 394/454/554 TYM models.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I agree. That is within the margin of error on my budget. In my case, I just preferred the 494 amenities. They are relatively minor, like the rear 3pt adjust lever and arm rests.

You should be happy. I would be fine with either. The consolidation of the brands just made my decision harder in terms of dealer, but gave me more confidence that they would be around for the long haul.

Did you notice they re-branded the engines as TYM too? Not sure I would have done that, but I get why. It is easier to explain that more of the tractor is built in-house. I wonder if they will eventually transition all of their engines to in-house.

My guess will be that they retire the Yanmar-equipped 394/454/554 TYM models.

Who knows, I may still come home with a 494. Everyone I see with the 474 LOVES it, so I’d think the 494 would be the same. Im also not going to even come close to using the tractors capabilities.

I did see that Kukje is gone from the engine, and I think you’ll see more of that in the other models. My local TYM dealer said they get a lot of folks only wanting the TYM models with the Kukje

 

[bobmisi]

I also considered these two and can say you made the right choice. I have had my3820i for 15 years with no problems. The engine is flawless and smooth, and the entire tractor is heavy duty.

 

[Torvy]

My local TYM dealer said they get a lot of folks only wanting the TYM models with the Kukje

Not sure if this means the Kukje vs Yanmar options or the TYM vs Kukje. Sadly, I can see some people having issues either way.

I seriously doubt the TYM mother ship is going to mess with Kukje's engine success. My uninformed prediction would be they do little more than change the name, probably infuse some capital, maybe add another plant and possibly look to make some bigger engines for the bigger tractors.

I'm sure some people who worked at Kukje corporate or have been with Kukje/Branson a long time may have issues with some bean-counter decisions none of us would ever see and likely has zero impact on production. I've been part of enough mergers to know that there are always people who hate change, even if the change otherwise improves their lives...also there are those who impose change for little tangible reason other than they don't want to change. Here's hoping that type of nonsense is kept to a minimum and does not affect the tractors.

One of our local TYM (legacy) dealers told me that he will not carry or order the ones with the Yanmar engines. I didn't really understand his objection, but it is his business and his decision to make. My take on those models is that if they were supposed to be 'premium' there were not enough upgrades to justify added expense. Most of it was/is cosmetic.

Sorry if I went off track here...more importantly, what options are you getting?